The document provides information about states with and without the death penalty in the United States as of September 2010. It also includes statistics on the number of executions by year since 1976, the race of defendants executed and victims in death penalty cases, and recent studies showing racial disparities in application of the death penalty.
Sykes operates over 80 global centers across 30 countries and provides services in over 45 languages. The document outlines Sykes' locations across several regions: North America with centers in the United States and Canada; Latin America with centers in Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, and Spain; Asia Pacific with centers in Australia, China, India, and the Philippines; and EMEA with centers across Western Europe, Central Europe, Egypt, Eastern Europe, the Nordic region, and fulfillment centers in the UK and Sweden.
This document provides an update for week 2 of an introductory criminal justice class. It outlines the topics to be covered this week, including historical crime causation theories, balancing individual rights with public order, comparing the due process and crime control models, and an overview of the criminal justice process. Students are assigned two essay questions and reminded to review the grading rubric. The professor plans to return grades from the previous week and may drop any student who has not participated or contacted them.
The document discusses probation, parole, and alternatives to incarceration in the criminal justice system. It defines key terms like diversion, probation, parole, mandatory release and good-time release. It explains that probation was pioneered in the 1800s as a more cost-effective alternative to prison that could promote rehabilitation. The document also outlines the roles and responsibilities of parole boards in deciding early release of prisoners, and probation/parole officers in supervising offenders in the community.
This document provides an overview of the key participants and processes involved in a criminal trial. It discusses the roles of police, prosecutors, judges, jurors and defendants. It also outlines several important pre-trial decisions and proceedings, such as determining bail, competency to stand trial, and plea bargaining. Finally, it describes the typical structure and sequence of a criminal trial, from jury selection to closing arguments and deliberation.
The document outlines eight evidence-based principles for effective offender intervention programs: 1) assess risks and needs, 2) enhance intrinsic motivation, 3) target interventions based on risk level, criminogenic needs, and responsivity, 4) provide appropriate dosage of treatment and services, 5) use cognitive-behavioral treatment approaches, 6) train offenders in skills with directed practice, 7) increase positive reinforcement, and 8) engage ongoing community support and measure outcomes. The principles are supported by research showing programs incorporating these elements reduce recidivism more effectively.
Mill argues that "the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others." This principle, known as the harm principle, holds that society should not interfere with individual liberty unless an individual's actions could potentially harm others. The document discusses and analyzes the harm principle, including what constitutes "harm," circumstances where the principle may not apply, and debates around its interpretation and applications. It also examines Mill's view that self-regarding actions that only affect the individual should not be interfered with by society.
The document provides an overview of criminal law and different types of crimes. It defines crime and discusses the sources and limitations of criminal law. It also examines the elements of criminal offenses like actus reus and mens rea. Finally, it categorizes different types of crimes such as crimes against persons, property, public order, and morality. Specific crimes discussed include homicide, assault, sexual offenses, burglary, arson, theft, and forgery.
1) Law serves to regulate human behavior and transform self-interest into social interest by establishing general rules that bind a community.
2) Scholars have proposed different perspectives on law and its role in society, ranging from it maintaining order and consensus to it perpetuating conflicts between groups.
3) Key thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Hobbes, and Locke contributed different philosophical views of law and its relationship to concepts like justice, the state, and social contracts.
Sykes operates over 80 global centers across 30 countries and provides services in over 45 languages. The document outlines Sykes' locations across several regions: North America with centers in the United States and Canada; Latin America with centers in Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, and Spain; Asia Pacific with centers in Australia, China, India, and the Philippines; and EMEA with centers across Western Europe, Central Europe, Egypt, Eastern Europe, the Nordic region, and fulfillment centers in the UK and Sweden.
This document provides an update for week 2 of an introductory criminal justice class. It outlines the topics to be covered this week, including historical crime causation theories, balancing individual rights with public order, comparing the due process and crime control models, and an overview of the criminal justice process. Students are assigned two essay questions and reminded to review the grading rubric. The professor plans to return grades from the previous week and may drop any student who has not participated or contacted them.
The document discusses probation, parole, and alternatives to incarceration in the criminal justice system. It defines key terms like diversion, probation, parole, mandatory release and good-time release. It explains that probation was pioneered in the 1800s as a more cost-effective alternative to prison that could promote rehabilitation. The document also outlines the roles and responsibilities of parole boards in deciding early release of prisoners, and probation/parole officers in supervising offenders in the community.
This document provides an overview of the key participants and processes involved in a criminal trial. It discusses the roles of police, prosecutors, judges, jurors and defendants. It also outlines several important pre-trial decisions and proceedings, such as determining bail, competency to stand trial, and plea bargaining. Finally, it describes the typical structure and sequence of a criminal trial, from jury selection to closing arguments and deliberation.
The document outlines eight evidence-based principles for effective offender intervention programs: 1) assess risks and needs, 2) enhance intrinsic motivation, 3) target interventions based on risk level, criminogenic needs, and responsivity, 4) provide appropriate dosage of treatment and services, 5) use cognitive-behavioral treatment approaches, 6) train offenders in skills with directed practice, 7) increase positive reinforcement, and 8) engage ongoing community support and measure outcomes. The principles are supported by research showing programs incorporating these elements reduce recidivism more effectively.
Mill argues that "the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others." This principle, known as the harm principle, holds that society should not interfere with individual liberty unless an individual's actions could potentially harm others. The document discusses and analyzes the harm principle, including what constitutes "harm," circumstances where the principle may not apply, and debates around its interpretation and applications. It also examines Mill's view that self-regarding actions that only affect the individual should not be interfered with by society.
The document provides an overview of criminal law and different types of crimes. It defines crime and discusses the sources and limitations of criminal law. It also examines the elements of criminal offenses like actus reus and mens rea. Finally, it categorizes different types of crimes such as crimes against persons, property, public order, and morality. Specific crimes discussed include homicide, assault, sexual offenses, burglary, arson, theft, and forgery.
1) Law serves to regulate human behavior and transform self-interest into social interest by establishing general rules that bind a community.
2) Scholars have proposed different perspectives on law and its role in society, ranging from it maintaining order and consensus to it perpetuating conflicts between groups.
3) Key thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Hobbes, and Locke contributed different philosophical views of law and its relationship to concepts like justice, the state, and social contracts.
Crij 103 001 w intro to law and justice summer 2012 schedulesevans-idaho
This document outlines the schedule and assignments for an online course on law and justice over two modules in the summer of 2012. Module 1 takes place over weeks 1 and 2 (June 4-10 and June 11-17) and focuses on readings from the textbook "Law, Justice and Society" as well as weekly discussion questions, individual posts, and article or film responses on topics like the function and purpose of law and justice and law. Students are expected to complete reading assignments, discussion questions, individual posts, and a response paper each week for a total of 25 points per week.
Cwi crij 103 intro to law and justice summer 2012 syllabussevans-idaho
This document provides the syllabus for an online Introduction to Law and Justice course offered during the summer of 2012 at the College of Western Idaho. The syllabus outlines the course objectives, which include gaining an understanding of the criminal justice system and applying sociological and psychological principles to legal issues. Students will be assessed through exams, discussion posts, article responses, and individual posts. The course will be conducted entirely online and expects students to dedicate 12-16 hours per week to be successful.
The document discusses several issues facing the future of corrections, including a lack of clear mission and competing priorities, difficulty choosing effective methods, internal and external structural divisions, challenges in personnel recruitment and motivation, rising costs, and the need for evidence-based practices and professionalization. It proposes three main challenges: reinvigorating correctional leadership, refocusing investments in prevention programs, and reclaiming moral and ethical standards.
This chapter discusses the future of corrections by examining 5 dilemmas, 4 trends, and 3 challenges facing the system. It outlines how the philosophy and methods of corrections have changed, and aspirations for a system focused on evidence-based practices, technology, cost-effectiveness, and professionalism. The key challenges are to develop new leadership promoting best practices, refocus investments on rehabilitation programs, and restore moral and ethical priorities.
The National Academy of Sciences convened a committee to study forensic science needs and issues. The committee made 13 recommendations in its report, including creating a National Institute of Forensic Sciences, standardizing terminology and practices, and improving research, education, oversight and accreditation. The National Institute of Justice recognizes the need for reform and is taking steps like funding research projects and establishing advisory groups to address the report's recommendations.
This document provides a timeline of important events and discoveries in the field of forensic science from BCE to 2002 CE. Some key developments include the first use of fingerprints to solve a crime in 1880, the establishment of the first police crime laboratory in 1910, the development of blood typing techniques in the early 20th century, and the founding of organizations like the American Academy of Forensic Science in 1950 and the Federal Bureau of Investigation crime laboratory in 1932. The timeline is intended as a historical overview of the emerging field of forensic science.
A man was found dead in a bedroom with reddish-brown stains on the walls and carpet, and a broken bottle nearby. The forensic team must collect evidence from the crime scene to determine if the death was from natural causes or foul play. Samples will be analyzed in a lab to uncover clues like DNA, fingerprints, and traces of substances. A forensic pathologist will also examine the body to look for causes of injury or death. The analysis aims to reconstruct what happened and solve the crime.
DNA profiling is a forensic technique that uses a person's unique DNA to identify them. It examines DNA found at crime scenes. Two main techniques are used: Restriction fragment length polymorphism cuts DNA into fragments of varying lengths, which are then compared to suspects' DNA. Short tandem repeat profiling makes copies of DNA sections and examines repetitive patterns that differ between people. DNA profiling is a powerful forensic tool that can include or exclude suspects by matching DNA evidence to their profiles.
Islamic law, or Sharia, originated from the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad. It developed over centuries as Islamic legal scholars interpreted Sharia and adapted it to changing circumstances. By the 10th century, the classic Sharia took shape, covering religious, family, property, commercial, and criminal law. It was not a strict legal code but a body of religious scholarship that continued evolving. Modern influences like Western colonialism have led to reforms, but Sharia remains influential in many Muslim-majority nations.
Common law systems like those in the United States and United Kingdom have legal systems that evolve through judicial decisions and rely heavily on legal precedents set in past cases. In civil law systems found in Europe and Latin America, legislative statutes are the primary source of law and judicial decisions have weaker precedential value. Common law systems emphasize procedural correctness and debate during adversarial trials, while civil law prioritizes establishing factual certainty through an inquisitorial judicial examination process.
Canada has two legal systems: common law from England and civil law from France. Common law is based on precedent from past court cases, while civil law relies on codified legal texts. Quebec uses civil law based on codes originating from French rule. The rest of Canada uses common law, with the exception of some Indigenous legal traditions. The Canadian legal system has evolved through influences from both common law and civil law.
This document provides an overview of comparative law and different legal traditions around the world. It discusses the legal systems of preliterate bands and tribes, and the four main modern legal traditions: common law, civil law, socialist law, and Islamic law. It also addresses the rule of law and convergence of legal systems as globalization increases interactions between cultures.
Topic paper week 16 cja 101 intro to criminal justicesevans-idaho
This document provides instructions for a topic paper assignment in a criminal justice course. Students must write a 750-1000 word paper answering one of two questions and including an introduction, body, and conclusion using APA format with at least two cited sources and a reference page. The paper is worth 30 points and is due by the end of the course.
The document discusses different types of terrorism including domestic and international terrorism. It outlines the United States Government Interagency Domestic Terrorism Concept of Operations Plan which coordinates response to domestic threats. It also discusses terror alerts issued by the Department of Homeland Security that aim to inform the public of potential threats and recommend protective actions.
The document discusses how terrorism has affected the US criminal justice system. It details how the US reorganized law enforcement agencies after 9/11 through the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, which consolidated various federal agencies. It also explains how anti-terrorism laws like the USA Patriot Act have expanded law enforcement powers but raised civil liberties concerns.
Topic paper week 14 cja 104 intro to correctionssevans-idaho
This document provides instructions for a topic paper assignment in an Intro to Corrections course. Students must write a 750-1000 word paper answering one of two questions and including an introduction, body, and conclusion using APA format with at least two sources cited. The paper is worth 25 points and requires selecting a topic about how mental health offenders have challenged corrections systems or the most effective juvenile delinquency programs.
This document discusses several special populations within the correctional system, including elderly prisoners, prisoners with HIV/AIDS, mentally ill prisoners, and long-term prisoners. It also covers the history of the juvenile justice system in the US and challenges in sanctioning and treating juvenile offenders, including those involved in gangs. Key topics include medical care and housing needs of special populations, debates around segregating HIV-infected inmates, high rates of mental illness among prisoners, the high costs of life sentences, and balancing rehabilitation and public safety in the juvenile system.
This chapter discusses special populations within corrections including elderly prisoners, prisoners with HIV/AIDS, mentally ill prisoners, and long-term prisoners. It also covers juvenile corrections, including the history of the juvenile justice system in the US, why juveniles are treated differently than adults, challenges with serious juvenile offenders and gangs, and the future of the juvenile justice system. The chapter outlines topics like the aging correctional population, managing HIV-infected inmates, challenges with the incarcerated mentally ill, the extent of youth crime, and factors considered in sanctioning juvenile offenders.
The document provides an overview of the Marshall Trilogy Supreme Court cases from the 1820s-1830s that established foundational principles of federal Indian law. It then discusses the 1905 case United States v. Winans, which faithfully applied these principles. The Marshall Trilogy established that Congress has plenary power over tribes, tribes have inherent sovereignty unless expressly limited, and the federal government holds tribes' lands in trust. It also established canons of construction that treaties should be interpreted in tribes' favor. Winans affirmed tribes' treaty-reserved rights to fish off-reservation, applying congressional plenary power, inherent tribal sovereignty unless limited, the trust doctrine requiring the federal government sue on tribes' behalf, and canons
The document discusses three main arguments about criminal law and justice:
1) Criminal sentencing laws like California's Three Strikes law have disproportionately impacted minority communities and have fallen short of their intended goals. These laws often result in extreme sentences that outweigh their effectiveness in reducing crime.
2) Social science research on issues like cross-racial eyewitness identification has helped inform criminal procedure and shed light on how race influences criminal trials.
3) Existing criminal procedure has created burdens for criminal defendants. Aggregation of discretionary decisions in the criminal justice system can lead to racial unfairness if not addressed. More analysis is needed on how race impacts criminal punishment and jurisprudence.
Crij 103 001 w intro to law and justice summer 2012 schedulesevans-idaho
This document outlines the schedule and assignments for an online course on law and justice over two modules in the summer of 2012. Module 1 takes place over weeks 1 and 2 (June 4-10 and June 11-17) and focuses on readings from the textbook "Law, Justice and Society" as well as weekly discussion questions, individual posts, and article or film responses on topics like the function and purpose of law and justice and law. Students are expected to complete reading assignments, discussion questions, individual posts, and a response paper each week for a total of 25 points per week.
Cwi crij 103 intro to law and justice summer 2012 syllabussevans-idaho
This document provides the syllabus for an online Introduction to Law and Justice course offered during the summer of 2012 at the College of Western Idaho. The syllabus outlines the course objectives, which include gaining an understanding of the criminal justice system and applying sociological and psychological principles to legal issues. Students will be assessed through exams, discussion posts, article responses, and individual posts. The course will be conducted entirely online and expects students to dedicate 12-16 hours per week to be successful.
The document discusses several issues facing the future of corrections, including a lack of clear mission and competing priorities, difficulty choosing effective methods, internal and external structural divisions, challenges in personnel recruitment and motivation, rising costs, and the need for evidence-based practices and professionalization. It proposes three main challenges: reinvigorating correctional leadership, refocusing investments in prevention programs, and reclaiming moral and ethical standards.
This chapter discusses the future of corrections by examining 5 dilemmas, 4 trends, and 3 challenges facing the system. It outlines how the philosophy and methods of corrections have changed, and aspirations for a system focused on evidence-based practices, technology, cost-effectiveness, and professionalism. The key challenges are to develop new leadership promoting best practices, refocus investments on rehabilitation programs, and restore moral and ethical priorities.
The National Academy of Sciences convened a committee to study forensic science needs and issues. The committee made 13 recommendations in its report, including creating a National Institute of Forensic Sciences, standardizing terminology and practices, and improving research, education, oversight and accreditation. The National Institute of Justice recognizes the need for reform and is taking steps like funding research projects and establishing advisory groups to address the report's recommendations.
This document provides a timeline of important events and discoveries in the field of forensic science from BCE to 2002 CE. Some key developments include the first use of fingerprints to solve a crime in 1880, the establishment of the first police crime laboratory in 1910, the development of blood typing techniques in the early 20th century, and the founding of organizations like the American Academy of Forensic Science in 1950 and the Federal Bureau of Investigation crime laboratory in 1932. The timeline is intended as a historical overview of the emerging field of forensic science.
A man was found dead in a bedroom with reddish-brown stains on the walls and carpet, and a broken bottle nearby. The forensic team must collect evidence from the crime scene to determine if the death was from natural causes or foul play. Samples will be analyzed in a lab to uncover clues like DNA, fingerprints, and traces of substances. A forensic pathologist will also examine the body to look for causes of injury or death. The analysis aims to reconstruct what happened and solve the crime.
DNA profiling is a forensic technique that uses a person's unique DNA to identify them. It examines DNA found at crime scenes. Two main techniques are used: Restriction fragment length polymorphism cuts DNA into fragments of varying lengths, which are then compared to suspects' DNA. Short tandem repeat profiling makes copies of DNA sections and examines repetitive patterns that differ between people. DNA profiling is a powerful forensic tool that can include or exclude suspects by matching DNA evidence to their profiles.
Islamic law, or Sharia, originated from the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad. It developed over centuries as Islamic legal scholars interpreted Sharia and adapted it to changing circumstances. By the 10th century, the classic Sharia took shape, covering religious, family, property, commercial, and criminal law. It was not a strict legal code but a body of religious scholarship that continued evolving. Modern influences like Western colonialism have led to reforms, but Sharia remains influential in many Muslim-majority nations.
Common law systems like those in the United States and United Kingdom have legal systems that evolve through judicial decisions and rely heavily on legal precedents set in past cases. In civil law systems found in Europe and Latin America, legislative statutes are the primary source of law and judicial decisions have weaker precedential value. Common law systems emphasize procedural correctness and debate during adversarial trials, while civil law prioritizes establishing factual certainty through an inquisitorial judicial examination process.
Canada has two legal systems: common law from England and civil law from France. Common law is based on precedent from past court cases, while civil law relies on codified legal texts. Quebec uses civil law based on codes originating from French rule. The rest of Canada uses common law, with the exception of some Indigenous legal traditions. The Canadian legal system has evolved through influences from both common law and civil law.
This document provides an overview of comparative law and different legal traditions around the world. It discusses the legal systems of preliterate bands and tribes, and the four main modern legal traditions: common law, civil law, socialist law, and Islamic law. It also addresses the rule of law and convergence of legal systems as globalization increases interactions between cultures.
Topic paper week 16 cja 101 intro to criminal justicesevans-idaho
This document provides instructions for a topic paper assignment in a criminal justice course. Students must write a 750-1000 word paper answering one of two questions and including an introduction, body, and conclusion using APA format with at least two cited sources and a reference page. The paper is worth 30 points and is due by the end of the course.
The document discusses different types of terrorism including domestic and international terrorism. It outlines the United States Government Interagency Domestic Terrorism Concept of Operations Plan which coordinates response to domestic threats. It also discusses terror alerts issued by the Department of Homeland Security that aim to inform the public of potential threats and recommend protective actions.
The document discusses how terrorism has affected the US criminal justice system. It details how the US reorganized law enforcement agencies after 9/11 through the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, which consolidated various federal agencies. It also explains how anti-terrorism laws like the USA Patriot Act have expanded law enforcement powers but raised civil liberties concerns.
Topic paper week 14 cja 104 intro to correctionssevans-idaho
This document provides instructions for a topic paper assignment in an Intro to Corrections course. Students must write a 750-1000 word paper answering one of two questions and including an introduction, body, and conclusion using APA format with at least two sources cited. The paper is worth 25 points and requires selecting a topic about how mental health offenders have challenged corrections systems or the most effective juvenile delinquency programs.
This document discusses several special populations within the correctional system, including elderly prisoners, prisoners with HIV/AIDS, mentally ill prisoners, and long-term prisoners. It also covers the history of the juvenile justice system in the US and challenges in sanctioning and treating juvenile offenders, including those involved in gangs. Key topics include medical care and housing needs of special populations, debates around segregating HIV-infected inmates, high rates of mental illness among prisoners, the high costs of life sentences, and balancing rehabilitation and public safety in the juvenile system.
This chapter discusses special populations within corrections including elderly prisoners, prisoners with HIV/AIDS, mentally ill prisoners, and long-term prisoners. It also covers juvenile corrections, including the history of the juvenile justice system in the US, why juveniles are treated differently than adults, challenges with serious juvenile offenders and gangs, and the future of the juvenile justice system. The chapter outlines topics like the aging correctional population, managing HIV-infected inmates, challenges with the incarcerated mentally ill, the extent of youth crime, and factors considered in sanctioning juvenile offenders.
The document provides an overview of the Marshall Trilogy Supreme Court cases from the 1820s-1830s that established foundational principles of federal Indian law. It then discusses the 1905 case United States v. Winans, which faithfully applied these principles. The Marshall Trilogy established that Congress has plenary power over tribes, tribes have inherent sovereignty unless expressly limited, and the federal government holds tribes' lands in trust. It also established canons of construction that treaties should be interpreted in tribes' favor. Winans affirmed tribes' treaty-reserved rights to fish off-reservation, applying congressional plenary power, inherent tribal sovereignty unless limited, the trust doctrine requiring the federal government sue on tribes' behalf, and canons
The document discusses three main arguments about criminal law and justice:
1) Criminal sentencing laws like California's Three Strikes law have disproportionately impacted minority communities and have fallen short of their intended goals. These laws often result in extreme sentences that outweigh their effectiveness in reducing crime.
2) Social science research on issues like cross-racial eyewitness identification has helped inform criminal procedure and shed light on how race influences criminal trials.
3) Existing criminal procedure has created burdens for criminal defendants. Aggregation of discretionary decisions in the criminal justice system can lead to racial unfairness if not addressed. More analysis is needed on how race impacts criminal punishment and jurisprudence.
1. DEATH PENALTY
1015 18th Street NW, Suite 704
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 289 - 2275
INFORMATION CENTER
Fax: (202) 289 - 7336
Email: dpic@deathpenaltyinfo.org
http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org
Facts about the Death Penalty
Updated September 20, 2010
STATES WITH THE DEATH PENALTY (35)
Alabama Florida Louisiana New Hampshire South Dakota
Arizona Georgia Maryland North Carolina Tennessee
Arkansas Idaho Mississippi Ohio Texas
California Illinois Missouri Oklahoma Utah - plus
Colorado Indiana Montana Oregon Virginia U.S. Gov’t
Connecticut Kansas Nebraska Pennsylvania Washington U.S. Military
Delaware Kentucky Nevada South Carolina Wyoming
STATES WITHOUT THE DEATH PENALTY (15)
Alaska Massachusetts New Mexico* Vermont - plus
Hawaii Michigan New York West Virginia District of Columbia
Iowa Minnesota North Dakota Wisconsin
Maine New Jersey Rhode Island
*Two inmates remain on death row in NM.
100
98
Number of Executions Total: 1226
80 85
Number of Executions
74
68 71
60 66 65
59 60
56 53 52
40 45 38
42
38 37
31 31
20
21 25 23
5 18 18 16
1 0 2 0 1 2 14
0 11
0
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Race of Defendants Executed Race of Victim in Death Penalty Cases
2% Hispanic Over 75% of the
6%
Black - 424 murder victims in
56% cases resulting in an
Hispanic - 91
White Black execution were white,
35% White - 687 76% 15% even though nationally
Other - 24 only 50% of murder
Other victims generally are
7% 3% white.
2. Recent Studies on Race
Persons Executed for Interracial Murders
• In 96% of the states where there have been reviews of race
and the death penalty, there was a pattern of either race-of- White Def./ 15
victim or race-of-defendant discrimination, or both. (Prof. Black Victim
David Baldus report to the ABA, 1998). 246
Black Def./
• 98% of the chief district attorneys in death penalty states White Victim
are white; only 1% are black. (Prof. Jeffrey Pokorak,
Cornell Law Review, 1998).
• A comprehensive study of the death penalty in North Carolina found that the odds of receiving a death sentence rose by 3.5 times
among those defendants whose victims were white. (Prof. Jack Boger and Dr. Isaac Unah, University of North Carolina, 2001).
• A study in California found that those who killed whites were over 3 times more likely to be sentenced to death than those who
killed blacks and over 4 times more likely than those who killed Latinos. (Pierce & Radelet, Santa Clara Law Review 2005).
Innocence
25 23 Since 1973, over 130 people have
Number Released Since 1973
been released from death row with
20 Death Row Exonerations by State evidence of their innocence. (Staff
20
Total: 138 2I Report, House Judiciary
Subcommittee on Civil &
15 Constitutional Rights, Oct. 1993, with
11 updates from DPIC).
10
10 8 8 7 From 1973-1999, there was an
6 6
5 5 4 average of 3.1 exonerations per
5 3 3 3 3 year. From 2000-2007, there has
2 2 2
1 1 1 11 1 1 been an average of 5 exonerations
per year.
0
FL
IL
TX
OK
AZ
LA
NC
PA
AL
GA
OH
NM
CA
MA
MO
MS
SC
TN
IN
ID
KY
MD
NE
NV
VA
WA
States Where Inmates Have Been Released
DEATH ROW INMATES BY STATE: January 1, 2010
California 697 S. Carolina 63 Connecticut 10
Race of Death Row Inmates
Florida 398 Mississippi 61 Kansas 10
Texas 337 Missouri 61 Utah 10
Pennsylvania 222 U.S. Gov’t 59 Washington 9
12%
Alabama 201 Arkansas 42 U.S. Military 8
Black - 42%
Ohio 168 Kentucky 35 Maryland 5
44% Hispanic - 12% N. Carolina 167 Oregon 32 S. Dakota 3
White - 44% Arizona 135 Delaware 19 Colorado 3
Other - 2% Georgia 106 Idaho 17 Montana 2
42%
Tennessee 90 Indiana 15 New Mexico 2
Louisiana 85 Virginia 15 Wyoming 1
2% Oklahoma 84 Illinois 15 N. Hampshire 1
Nevada 77 Nebraska 11 TOTAL 3261
Race of Death Row Inmates and Death Row Inmates by State Source: NAACP LDF “Death Row, U.S.A.” (January 1, 2010)
When added, the total number of death row inmates by state is slightly higher because some prisoners are sentenced to death in more than one state.
3. NUMBER OF EXECUTIONS BY STATE SINCE 1976
Total 2010 2009 Total 2010 2009 Execution By Region*
Texas 463 16 24 Nevada 12 0 0
Virginia 107 2 3 Mississippi 13 3 0
Oklahoma 92 1 3 Utah 7 1 0
Florida 69 1 2 Tennessee 6 0 2 1200
Missouri 67 0 1 Maryland 5 0 0 1000
Georgia 47 1 3 Washington 5 1 0 1010
Alabama 48 4 6 Nebraska 3 0 0 800
N. Carolina 43 0 0 Pennsylvania 3 0 0 600
S. Carolina 42 0 2 Kentucky 3 0 0
570
Ohio 40 7 5 Montana 3 0 0 400
Louisiana 28 1 0 Oregon 2 0 0 69
Arkansas 27 0 0 Connecticut 1 0 0
200 4
143
Arizona 23 0 0 Idaho 1 0 0 0
West
Northeast
TX &
South
Midwest
Indiana 20 0 1 New Mexico 1 0 0
VA
Delaware 14 0 0 Colorado 1 0 0
California 13 0 0 Wyoming 1 0 0
Illinois 12 0 0 South Dakota 1 0 0
US Gov’t 3 0 0 *Federal executions are listed in the region in which the crime
was committed.
DEATH SENTENCING
The number of death sentences per year has dropped dramatically since 1999.
Year 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Sentences 295 328 326 323 281 306 284 235 167 169 154 140 138 122 119 111 106*
Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics: “Capital Punishment 2008.” *Estimate based on DPIC's research.
JUVENILES
• In 2005, the Supreme Court in Roper v. Simmons struck down the death penalty for juveniles. 22 defendants had been executed for
crimes committed as juveniles since 1976.
MENTAL DISABILITIES
• Intellectual Disabilities: In 2002, the Supreme Court held in Atkins v. Virginia that it is unconstitutional to execute defendants with
'mental retardation.'
• Mental Illness: The American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the National Alliance for the
Mentally Ill, and the American Bar Association have endorsed resolutions calling for an exemption of the severely mentally ill.
WOMEN
•There were 61 women on death row as of January 1, 2010. This constitutes 1.9% of the total death row population. 11 women have
been executed since 1976.
DETERRENCE
• According to a survey of the former and present presidents of the• Consistent with previous years, the 2008 FBI Uniform Crime
country's top academic criminological societies, 88% of these Report showed that the South had the highest murder rate. The
experts rejected the notion that the death penalty acts as a South accounts for over 80% of executions. The Northeast,
deterrent to murder. (Radelet & Lacock, 2009) which has less than 1% of all executions, again had the lowest
murder rate.
Criminologists View of Deterrence
Murder Rates per 100,000 - 2009
Do executions lower 8
7% homicide rates?
6
Yes 5% 6
5% No 88% 4 4.6 4.5 5
88% No Opinion 7% 3.8
2
0
South Midwest West Northeast National
4. EXECUTIONS SINCE 1976 BY METHOD USED
1052 Lethal Injection 36 states plus the US government use lethal injection as their primary method. Some
157 Electrocution states utilizing lethal injection have other methods available as backups. Though New
11 Gas Chamber Mexico abolished the death penalty in 2009, the act was not retroactive, leaving two
3 Hanging prisoners on death row and its lethal injection protocol intact.
3 Firing Squad
FINANCIAL FACTS ABOUT THE DEATH PENALTY
• The California death penalty system costs taxpayers $114 million per year beyond the costs of keeping convicts locked up for life.
Taxpayers have paid more than $250 million for each of the state’s executions. (L.A. Times, March 6, 2005)
• In Kansas, the costs of capital cases are 70% more expensive than comparable non-capital cases, including the costs of incarceration.
(Kansas Performance Audit Report, December 2003).
• In Maryland, an average death penalty case resulting in a death sentence costs approximately $3 million. The eventual costs to
Maryland taxpayers for cases pursued 1978-1999 will be $186 million. Five executions have resulted. (Urban Institute 2008).
• The most comprehensive study in the country found that the death penalty costs North Carolina $2.16 million per execution over the
costs of sentencing murderers to life imprisonment. The majority of those costs occur at the trial level. (Duke University, May 1993).
• Enforcing the death penalty costs Florida $51 million a year above what it would cost to punish all first-degree murderers with life in
prison without parole. Based on the 44 executions Florida had carried out since 1976, that amounts to a cost of $24 million for each
execution. (Palm Beach Post, January 4, 2000).
• In Texas, a death penalty case costs an average of $2.3 million, about three times the cost of imprisoning someone in a single cell at
the highest security level for 40 years. (Dallas Morning News, March 8, 1992).
PUBLIC OPINION
• The May 2006 Gallup Poll found that overall support of the • A 2009 poll commissioned by DPIC found police chiefs ranked
death penalty was 65% (down from 80% in 1994). The same the death penalty last among ways to reduce violent crime. The
poll revealed that when respondents are given the choice of life police chiefs also considered the death penalty the least efficient
without parole as an alternate sentencing option, more choose use of taxpayers’ money.
life without parole (48%) than the death penalty (47%).
What Interferes with Effective Law Enforcement?
Support for Life Without Parole
Lack of law enforcement resource 20%
Drug/Alcohol abuse 20%
Family problems/child abuse 14%
Prefer Death Penalty Lack of programs for mentally ill 12%
47% Crowded courts 7%
No
Ineffective prosecution 6%
Opinion
Too many guns 5%
5%
Prefer Life Without Gangs 3%
Parole Insufficient use of the death penalty 2%
48% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
Percent Ranking Item as One of Top Two or Three
The Death Penalty Information Center has available more extensive reports on a variety of issues, including:
"The Death Penalty in 2009: Year-End Report" (December 2009)
“Smart on Crime: Reconsidering the Death Penalty in a Time of Economic Crisis” (October 2009)
“The Death Penalty in 2008: A Year End Report” (December 2008)
“A Crisis of Confidence: Americans' Doubts About the Death Penalty” (2007)
“Blind Justice: Juries Deciding Life and Death with Only Half the Truth” (2005)
“Innocence and the Crisis in the American Death Penalty” (2004)
“International Perspectives on the Death Penalty: A Costly Isolation for the U.S.” (1999)
“The Death Penalty in Black & White: Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Decides” (1998)
“Innocence and the Death Penalty: The Increasing Danger of Executing the Innocent” (1997)
“Killing for Votes: The Dangers of Politicizing the Death Penalty Process” (1996)
“Twenty Years of Capital Punishment: A Re-evaluation” (1996)
“With Justice for Few: The Growing Crisis in Death Penalty Representation” (1995)
“On the Front Line: Law Enforcement Views on the Death Penalty” (1995)
“The Future of the Death Penalty in the United States: A Texas-Sized Crisis” (1994)